Councils urged to reform care fees

A coalition of older people’s charities and pressure groups have
called for all councils to develop funding models that better
reflect the cost of providing residential and nursing care.

Rather than setting standardised care fees for all residents, the
Fair Rate for Care for Older People coalition – which includes Help
the Aged, the English Community Care Association and the National
Care Forum – believe models should be developed locally that match
an allocation of funding to the “true” cost of an individual’s
care.

“The level of fees paid for residential care are a constant thorn
in all sides. The long-term solution must lie in agreeing a
rigorous funding model that is accepted by all stakeholders as
fair,” its discussion paper says.

Other solutions it suggests are for local authorities that develop
long-term contractual arrangements with providers who deliver the
best care to be given extra government funding. Long-term
partnering arrangements could help “breakdown previous
misconceptions” it adds. 

– From www.helptheaged.org.uk